NanoTech Materials, Inc. hosted “Scale City,” a ribbon cutting ceremony for their new 43,000 square foot facility at 21401 Park Row Dr., #360 in Katy on April 10th, to celebrate their expansion into their new Houston-area headquarters.

“This event is not just a celebration; it’s a heartfelt thank you to the city of Houston and its incredible community for their unwavering support, which has been instrumental in our growth and success,” said a company spokesperson in a press release prior to the event.

The Houston-based startup – which originally began in a garage in a neighborhood in Spring – is now spinning out of Halliburton Labs into the new building. The new facility is a significant milestone for the company as this expansion, facilitated in partnership with Partners Real Estate, signifies a 340% increase in their manufacturing and operational capabilities. The company now employs 18 to 20 workers, company officials said, but declined to share annual revenues.

According to a brief history provided by the company, NanoTech Materials:

· Started as an operation reminiscent of a scene straight out of "Breaking Bad" (minus the illicit activities).

· Pivoted to a three-year stint in Halliburton Labs, where the company worked through multiple certifications, including ISO 9001, and testing capabilities (including setting an egg on fire).

· Is now further scaling to support strong customer demand and solidify its position in the innovation ecosystem in Houston. · Was supported by one of the largest independent commercial real estate firms in Texas, Partners Real Estate.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was held in the early evening, followed by demos, free food trucks, music, and drinks. Mike Francis, Co-Founder and CEO of NanoTech Materials, was on hand to greet guests.

“Houston, known for its prominence in the oil industry, is witnessing a transformative shift towards sustainability and innovation, particularly within the clean tech sector and NanoTech is a perfect example,” said Francis. The venture-backed startup is revolutionizing how the construction industry is approaching climate-resilient construction materials, including fireproofing materials, cool roof coatings, and more, he added.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Francis, who lives in the Kelliwood Estates area of Katy, holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University and an MBA from Rice University.